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East Coast Alerts by Mel Neale March 29, 2012

By Tom Neale - Published March 29, 2012 - Viewed 497 times

Attention Snowbirds:

Dismal Swamp Canal Open after Three Month Closure:The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced that as of March 19, 2012, the Dismal Swamp Canal (Welcome Center: 36.504459°-76.356036°) is back in full normal operation.*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

Amelia River SR A1A Bridge (AICW Mile 721) Update:
The Coast Guard Bridge Branch has approved a vertical clearance reduction of four foot reducing the vertical clearance to 61 feet for one half of the navigable channel at the SR A1A Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 721.0 (30.626304°-81.484527°), Fernandina Beach, Nassau County, Florida, from April 9, 2012 through March 15, 2013.
From June 4 through July 15, 2012, the painting containment system will be allowed to be placed across the SR A1A Bridge which will reduce the vertical clearance to 61 feet across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. Gemstone, LLC will ensure that the proper lighting is displayed at the lowered portions of the scaffolding and will be changing the clearance gauges to reflect the vertical clearance reduction. (7th District LNM 13/2012)

Browns Inlet Area (AICW Mile 238.5) Shoaling Again:
Shoaling to a depth of 4.5 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Bogue Sound-New River Buoy 60 (LLNR 39217) (34-35-54.684N, 077-14-28.289W) and Bogue Sound-New River Buoy 61A (LLNR 39223). (5th District LNM 13/2012)This is the same place (AICW Mile 238.5 approximately) just north of the Onslow Beach Bridge in Camp Lejeune, NC, that often shoals (and gets dredged) and has floating markers that are frequently moved and sometimes unreliable because of the changing shoaling bottom.

NOTE: Lat/Long positions derived from Google Earth will be given for significant places in the Alerts, such as bridge locations. These will be in italics, and in the following format: xx.xxxxxx°-xx.xxxxxx° for locations new with this alert. Where a Lat/Long position is copied from a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) or from the Light Lists, it will be in whatever format the Coast Guard has used which varies between districts and LNM and Light List writers, and will be in plain text, rather than italics. Some positions are approximate. We do not provide this information for navigational purposes and it should not be used as such.

General Announcements

Reminder: Hillsboro Inlet Entrance Light May go Dark for Turtles: Comments Requested:
The Coast Guard is evaluating the continued operation of the Hillsboro Inlet Entrance Light (LLNR 775) (26.257898°-80.081109°). The Coast Guard is currently engaged in consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service regarding potential impacts to endangered sea turtles from the current operation of the Light. In response to these concerns, the Coast Guard is considering three options: discontinuing the operation of the light, obscuring portions of the light, or continuing the status quo. The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from local waterways users and to determine if mariners still utilize the light for navigational purposes. Any interested party wishing to provide comments should contact: Commander, USCG Seventh District, Brickell Plaza Federal Building, 909 SE 1st Avenue, Miami Florida 33131 Attn: LTJG Andrew Haley at (305) 415-6748, or E-mail andrew.s.haley@uscg.mil no later than April 20, 2012. (7th District LNM 13/2012)

Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Warning:
Following an announcement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning potential display anomalies in some ECDIS systems, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) issued an ENC Data Presentation and Performance Check in October 2011. This check is intended to assist mariners and to help determine the extent of the anomalies. IHO has received reports from mariners confirming that a number of ECDIS fail to display some significant underwater features in the "Standard" display mode. For all significant objects to be visible to the mariner, these ECDIS must be operated in "Full display" or "All display" mode until a software upgrade is made available from the manufacturer. Mariners are strongly encouraged to use the IHO ENC Data Presentation and Performance Check issued through ENC service providers and also available directly from the IHO website (www.iho.int ) to check the operation of their ECDIS and to determine whether their system is affected. IHO Circular Letter 33/2012 is available on the Coast Guard's Navigation Center website (http://www.navcen.uscg.gov) under the heading News and Notices. (5th District LNM 13/2012)

Coast Guard May Not Receive Distress Calls on 2182 kHz:
Mariners are advised that calls to the Coast Guard on the international radiotelephone distress frequency 2182 kHz may not be reliably received by the Coast Guard. Areas where maritime broadcasts on 2670 kHz are being received satisfactorily by mariners should not be affected. Similarly, mariners using high frequency (HF) radiotelephones equipped with digital selective calling (DSC) capable of operating on the 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 MHz distress frequencies should not be affected. Coast Guard watchkeeping services on these HF radiotelephone and DSC distress frequencies are posted at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=cgcommsCall. Mariners who receive a distress alert or call that has not been acknowledged by the Coast Guard are asked to assist if possible and advise the nearest Coast Guard unit using whatever means are practicable. (5th District LNM 13/2012)

Seventh District
Coastal Waters from Little River, South Carolina to Panama City, Florida

More Charleston Dredging:
Southern Dredging Co will commence dredging operations on or about March 22, 2012 at the Odfjell Terminal in the North Charleston Reach of the Cooper River in the vicinity of Cooper River Lighted Buoy 54A (LLNR 2875) (32-52-45.332N, 079-57-54.883W).The dredge “CHEROKEE” will operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week until approximately April 2, 2012. Vessels are requested to contact the dredge on VHF channels 13 and/or 16 prior to passing to ensure safe passage. Project POC's Mr. Neil Rodgers 843-729-1269 or Mr. Michael Kitchell 843-830-1015. (7th District LNM 12/2012)

Sebastian Inlet Dredging (NOT on the AICW):
Dickerson Florida Inc, will commence dredging operations on or about March 20, 2012 in the Sebastian Inlet (27.853976°-80.454920°) both the navigational channel leading towards the IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW) and the sand trap area just west of Sebastian Inlet. The Dredge ELLICOTT will operate (24) hours per day (7) days per week until approximately May 1, 2012. A pipeline will be placed from the dredging area to the dredge and stationed west of the Sebastian Inlet in the waterway leading towards the ICW. From the dredge pipeline will run east down the channel toward the Sebastian Inlet turning south towards Sebastian Inlet State Park. Mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredge, booster, floating (including pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredge. (7th District LNM 12/2012)

Okeechobee Waterway Update:On March 28, 2012 at 2400 hours the lake level was reported at 12.43 feet and the navigational depths were reported at 6.37 feet for Route 1 (26°58'32.23"N, 80°38'22.92"W) and 4.57 feet for Route 2 (Rim Route) (26°47'0.61"N, 26°47'0.61"N). You can usually check the daily lake level and navigational depths at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/Branches/MultiProject/WaterMgt/DOCS/Reports/r-nav.txt

Lake Worth Inlet Dredging:
Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting Co., LLC will commence dredging operations on or about March 19, 2012, in Lake Worth Inlet, Palm Beach County, FL. Dredging operations will be conducted within the Federal Navigation Channel encompassing the entire channel width from Lake Worth Inlet Lighted Buoy 6 (LLNR 10205.5) (26-46-23.453N, 080-02-10.374W) extending eastward 1000’ past the northern jetty. The project will involve the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge "ATCHAFALAYA” removing shoaled material from the Federal Channel and then transiting around the south jetty to dispose of the material in the near shore disposal area directly south of Lake Worth Inlet’s southern jetty. The dredge will be supported by the crew launch/survey vessel “Cape Elizabeth”. All vessels will monitor VHF channels 16, 14, and use 74 as the working channel. The dredge will operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The work is scheduled to be completed on or about April 18, 2012. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. Contact the Project Manager, Mr. Aaron Barton with further information 617-645-3697. (7th District LNM 11/2012)

Port Everglades Channel Diving Ops:
There will be diving and salvage recovery operations at Port Everglades Entrance Channel (26.093200°-80.109032°) along the south edge of the entrance channel from approximately March 25th – April 2nd, 2012. Operations will be daylight hours only. A crane barge will be positioned outside of the channel between Port Everglades Light 5 (LLNR 10335) and Port Everglades Light 7 (LLNR 10345). Barge operators will monitor marine channels 13, 14, and 16. Vessel traffic is requested to notify the barge 30 minutes prior to passage. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting the area. Project point of contact is Mr. Al Morris (904) 232-2258. (7th District LNM 12/2012)

Navy Testing and Maneuvers Offshore Port Everglades:
The US Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting DERMA Testing. A naval asset will be conducting surface and submerged maneuvers in the water immediately SE of Port Everglades Inlet (26.093200°-80.109032°). The operations are scheduled within a period beginning on 0000 hrs 23 March to 1600 hrs on 31 March 2012. The vessel will be working between 60ft - 600ft of water approximately ¾ NM to 4 NM off shore, and from ½ NM south of the Port Everglades Inlet to 2.5 miles south of the Port Everglades Inlet. The naval asset will have restricted maneuverability. All vessels are asked to stay well clear of the naval vessel. Broward Sheriff’s Office and Tow Boat US small craft will provide escort for the naval ship while operating on the surface. Ships entering PEV are requested to enter from the NE thereby avoiding the waters south of the channel. To allow for safe vessel operations all vessel traffic transiting the area is requested to stay 5 NM east of PEV. (7th District LNM 12/2012)
The US Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) and the M/V Thunderforce operated by American Vibra-core Systems will be conducting surface maneuvers in the water immediately SE of Port Everglades Inlet (26.093200°-80.109032°). The operations are scheduled within a period beginning on 0700 hrs 1 April to 1800 hrs on 3 April 2012. The vessel will be working between 60ft - 600ft of water approximately ¾ NM to 3 NM off shore, and from ½ NM south of the Port Everglades Inlet to 2.5 miles south of the Port Everglades Inlet. The M/V Thunderforce will be towing a variable depth source and will be restricted in maneuverability. All vessels are asked to stay well clear of the M/V Thunderforce. Ships entering PEV are requested to enter from the NE thereby avoiding the waters south of the channel. To allow for safe vessel operations all vessel traffic transiting the area is requested to stay 4 NM east of PEV. (7th District LNM 12/2012)

Government Cut Tunnel Project Continues:
Nicholson Construction will be continuing with drilling and grouting operations in Government Cut (25.781731°-80.178646°) on Monday, April 2 at 1700 with continuous operations through Friday, April 6, at 0200. Operations will continue again on Monday, April 9 at 1700 with continuous operations through Thursday, April 12, at 0200. Operation will be set up and spudded down from Watson Island and extending approximately 784ft into the channel the open channel. Width will now be 250ft. Mariners are advised to use caution and transit at a slow speed when passing the construction site. (7th District LNM 13/2012)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 13/2012:NOTE: Information new with this alert is in bold. There are many on-going projects lasting sometimes for years. You can “Search” a bridge name for previous East Coast Alerts that may contain information that is still current. Kingsley Creek Railroad Bridge (AICW Mile 720.7, 5 ft Vertical Clearance) Update: Due to fender repairs the waterway at the Amelia River Railroad Bridge (30.628864° -81.484351°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fernandina Beach, Florida will be reduced to 79 feet of horizontal clearance from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, April 16 through April 21, 2012. Vessels requiring a greater clearance than 79 feet should contact the barge operator on VHF-FM Channel 13 for passing instructions. Mariners are requested to pass through this area with minimum or no wake.
Bridge of Lions: The Bridge of Lions Bridge (29.892588° -81.307672°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, St Augustine, Volusia County (actually it's in St. Johns County), Florida will be closed to navigation from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2012 for the Blessing of the Fleet event.SR 312 Bridge (AICW Mile 780.0): Astor General Contracting has advised this office that they will start painting the East Bound SR 312 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 780.0, Lake City (29.862672° -81.309784°), Lake City (this bridge is just south of St. Augustine), St Johns County, Florida on March 26, 2012. From June 4 through July 15, 2012, this work will reduce the vertical clearance of the bridge by four feet to 61 feet. This work is expected to be completed by July 15, 2012. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area.
The contractor performing the repairs to this bridge would like permission from the Coast Guard to allow this vertical clearance reduction for up to a year. The Coast Guard is requesting mariners with vessels greater than 61 feet of height to contact Mr. Michael Lieberum at Michael.b.lieberum@uscg.mil if this vertical clearance reduction would be considered unreasonable. It is requested that all comments address which months would be less restrictive to navigation during this one year period. Comments received will become part of the decision making process.Hobe Sound Bridge (AICW Mile 996.0): The Hobe Sound Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 996.0 (27° 3'51.19"N, 80° 7'19.15"W), Jupiter, Martin County, Florida will be on single-leaf operations from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily April 30 through May 3, 2012, and from May 8 through May 10, 2012. A double-leaf will be available with a four hour notification to the bridge tender on VHF-FM Channel 9 or by calling 772-546-5234.Southern Boulevard Bridge (AICW Mile 1024.7): The NW portion of the fender system of the Southern Boulevard Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1024.7 (26°40'29.74"N, 80° 2'49.03"W), West Palm Beach, Florida has been destroyed and is marked with floating markers. This portion of the fender will be rebuilt in the near future and may involve restricting the navigation channel for short periods of time. Channel restrictions will be published in future Local Notice to Mariners.Lantana (East Ocean Avenue) Bridge (AICW Mile 1031):GLF Construction Corporation has advised this office that the demolition and replacement of the East Ocean Avenue Bridge (26°34'59.65"N, 80° 2'46.58"W) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Lantana, Palm Beach County, Florida will start on March 20, 2012 and will continue until April 16, 2012. The first part of this activity will involve waterway closures during the removal of the existing bridge. Subsequent waterway restrictions are not anticipated until the latter part of this replacement project. Waterway closures/restrictions will be published in future Local Notice to Mariners.East Sunrise Boulevard (AICW Mile 1062.6) and East Las Olas (AICW Mile 1064) Bridges: The East Sunrise Boulevard (26° 8'15.46"N, 80° 6'30.33"W) and East Las Olas Bridges (26° 7'9.26"N, 80° 6'32.68"W) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1062.6 and 1064.0, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida will be allowed to not open to navigation from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, 2012 to facilitate the vehicle traffic flow at the conclusion of the Fort Lauderdale Air Show. Vessels that may pass under the bridges without an opening may do so at any time.Marshall and Davie Blvd Bridges, New River, Ft. Lauderdale: The Marshall (4th/7th) Avenue (26.117212°-80.148766°) and Davie Boulevard Bridge (26.107008° -80.159052°) across the New River, Ft Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 9:30 p.m. on April 2 through 6:00 a.m. on April 3, 2012 for repairs.Port of Miami Railroad Bridge: Due to extensive repairs to the Port of Miami Railroad Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Miami-Dade County, Florida, the bridge contractor, PCL Constructors Inc are beginning repair operations on the Port of Miami's FEC railroad bridge (25.778902°-80.182536°). The bridge is allowed to be in the down position when the Security Zone is not enforced and the Miami Main Channel is open for normal traffic. On days when the bridge is in the down position there will be 15 minute openings at 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:45pm. Upcoming bridge closings will occur on Wednesday March 21st, Thursday March 22nd, and Tuesday March 27th. Clearance gauges are also under repair and do not currently read properly. PCL will be monitoring Marine Channel 9. PCL POC - Adlai Jourdin (561) 253-6995.Additional closure dates in April are:- April 3rd-4th
- April 10th-11th
- April 17th
- April 19th
- April 24th-26th
If for any reason the Miami Main Channel Security Zone is in force during these dates, the bridge will not be allowed to remain closed.MacArthur Causeway Bridge: Due to the Port of Miami Tunnel Project the contractor has advised the Coast Guard that they will be closing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway under the MacArthur Causeway Bridge (25.787229° -80.181197°) due to barge placement. The contractor advised that they will require two night time closures between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. between March 28 and April 4, 2012.NW 12th Avenue Bridge, Miami River: The NW 12th Avenue Bridge, Miami River (25.782212°-80.214815°) mile 2.1, Miami, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:46 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 4 through July 3, 2012 during Miami Marlin games (Schedule Below). This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is needed. Federal Register Docket Number USCG-2012-0078 will provide comment instructions once published in the Federal Register. Tugs and tugs with tows, vessels in distress and public vessels of the United States shall be passed at any time. The Miami Marlins Home Baseball Schedule is available on their website.Gasparilla Sound Bridge: Orion Marine Group has advised the Coast Guard that they plan on constructing a temporary bridge next to the Gasparilla Island relief structure mile 0.4 starting in March, 2012. This work will have floating equipment in the waterway and will restrict the channel. The channel will be closed for short periods of time when the contractor sets the temporary bridge span across the waterway. Mariners are requested to maintain slow speed/no wake through this construction area. Demolition of the existing bridge will be published in future LNMs. The Orion Marine Group will be constructing a new replacement bridge across Gasparilla Pass mile 1.0, starting in March 2012. There will be floating equipment in and around the channel during this work. . The channel will be closed for short periods of time when the contractor sets the temporary bridge span across the waterway. Mariners are requested to maintain slow speed/no wake through this construction area. Demolition of the existing bridge will be published in future LNMs.

USCG Fifth District
Coastal Waters from Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina

NJ-INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-MARGATE BRIDGE
1. THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY UNDER THE MARGATE BRIDGE (39.337511°-74.514023°) WILL BE LIMITED TO PASSAGE ON THE EAST SIDE ONLY. THE WEST SIDE OF THE CHANNEL WILL BE CLOSED FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY STARTING ON MARCH 26, 2012 UNTIL MARCH 30, 2012. MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA.
2. CANCEL TIME AT //300000ZMAR12// (5th District Bridge Branch)

Dredging in Ocean City:
Hydraulic dredging operations will take place in Ocean City Inlet (38.324889°-75.092268°) between the Ocean City Fishing Pier (south of the Rt. 50 bridge) and Skimmer Island (north of the Rt. 50 Bridge) from 16 March until 03 April, 2012. Dredge will monitor VHF-FM channel 71. Dredge pipe will run to a disposal site at Skimmer Island. (5th District LNM 12/2012)
Mechanical dredging of Sunset Marina will occur from 23March until 04 April, 2012. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channel 74. (5th District LNM 12/2012)

Chincoteague Channel Shoaling:
Shoaling to a depth of 5.0ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Chincoteague Channel Lighted Buoy 11 (LLNR 5315) (37-53-11.537N, 075-24-18.751W). (5th District LNM 12/2012)

Baltimore Inner Harbor Dredging:
Mechanical dredging operations are scheduled to occur in the Baltimore Inner Harbor (39.284354° -76.610432°) from the western limit of the northwest harbor and the west wall on the Inner Harbor from 27 February until 11 June, 2012. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (5th District LNM 09/2012)

Buoys at Bay Bridge:
Blastech Enterprises will be establishing four (4); until November 1, 2013, lighted crown buoys (anchor buoys) in association with their Chesapeake Bay Bridge Painting Project. The four 58” yellow buoys, with a flashing four second yellow light (Fl Y 4s) will be located approximately 500 ft (directional) from the lighted paint barge; ( NW, NE, SE and SW). The initial, Site 1, Paint Barge location is 38 59 42.46N, 076 23 04.99W; which is west of West Tower-Pier 32. Chart: 12278. (5th District LNM 13/2012)

Patuxent River Underwater Survey Work:
Mariners are advised that the U. S. Navy will be conducting an underwater survey in the Patuxent River during April 1-30, 2012. The survey will include surface ships operating along an approximately 7 nautical mile long section of the Patuxent River, in an area between Point Patience (northern end of survey) at approximate position latitude 38°19’41.4” N, 076°29’03.6” W and the vicinity of Cedar Point (southern end of survey) at approximate position latitude 38°17’43.1” N, 076°21’46.0” W. Command and control of survey operations will be conducted using the research vessel DISCOVERY. Mariners are requested to remain 500 yards distance from all vessels involved in the survey operations while they are in progress. The R/V DISCOVERY and its support craft can be contacted on marine band radio VHF channel 16. (5th District LNM 10/2012)

Washington Channel Floating Platform for Art:
Mariners are advised that a floating platform will be installed in the Washington Channel until April 21, 2012. The metal art sculpture is part of a public art project sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to broadcast messages during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The object, 18 inches in height and 30 feet in diameter, will be anchored in 15 feet of water along the Southwest Waterfront area of Washington, D.C., between the Gangplank Marina “S” and “T” Docks, at approximate position 38°52'35- N, 077°01'19- W, and will display a white light. Mariners are urged to use caution in this area and may contact the General Manager, Gangplank Marina, at telephone (202) 554-5000 or on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16. (5th District LNM 12/2012)

New Topsail Inlet Area Dredging:
The Dredge WILKO will be conducting dredging operations in New Topsail Inlet (34.339273°-77.661370°) Topsail Creek and Banks Channel from 13 March until 01 May, 2012. A floating and submerged pipeline will traverse along the south shoreline of Banks Channel to Topsail Beach Disposal Area. The pipeline will be lighted and marked with buoys. The Dredge and assisting vessels PROUD MARY and MISS LEANNE will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (5th District LNM 11/2012)

Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Wilmington NC, Closure:
Mariners are advised that the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation at the Cape Fear Memorial (vertical-lift) Bridge (Closed vertical clearance is reported to be 65 ft) (34.227053° -77.952125°) at mile 26.8, across Cape Fear River, at Wilmington NC. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 7 a.m. on March 1, 2012 until and including 11 p.m. on May 31, 2012; except that vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine radio on channel 18 VHF. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulation set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM 09/2012) NOTE: If your vessel's height is close to the reported closed vertical clearance, before proceeding under this bridge check for construction equipment or scaffolding beneath the span which could possibly reduce the vertical clearance.

Bonner Bridge Reduced Vertical Clearance:
The vertical clearance on the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge (35°46'9.84"N, 75°32'12.44"W) will be reduced to 61 feet MHW from 05 March until 15 June, 2012 due to a platform above the navigational span for painting and repairs. (5th District LNM 09/2012)

Shoaling in Oregon Inlet:
Shoaling to a depth of 7.0ft MLW has been reported 60 yards east of the Bonner Bridge (35.771117° -75.536274°) in the center of the channel. Shoaling to a depth of 8.5ft MLW is reported 100 yards east of the center span of the bridge. The lowest depth observed is between Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 12 (LLNR 28025) (35-46-30.842N, 075-31-53.637W) and the center span of the Bonner Bridge at 5.0ft MLW. (5th District LNM 13/2012)
Shoaling to a depth of 3.5 feet MLW has been reported between Oregon Inlet Channel buoy 21 (LLNR 28070 (35-46-28.488N, 075-32-34.718W) and Oregon Inlet Channel Buoy 21A (LLNR 28073) and extending approximately 20 yards into the channel. Chart: 12204. (5th District LNM 13/2012)

USCG First District
Coastal Waters from Eastport, Maine to Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Security Zone for Presidential Visit in Maine:
The Coast Guard is establishing two temporary security zones on the navigable waters of the Fore River in Portland, Maine and Simonton Cove in South Portland, Maine. These temporary security zones are necessary to protect President Barack Obama, members of his official party, and other senior government officials. These zones are intended to restrict vessels from a portion of the Fore River and Simonton Cove when public officials are scheduled to arrive and depart the area.
Dates: This rule is effective with actual notice for purposes of enforcement from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012.
Security Zone 1: The Fore River from the Route 1/I-295 Bridge in position 43°38'45"N, 70°17'27"W, east to a line starting at Union Wharf in position 43°39'10"N, 70°15'06"W, thence south to the Coast Guard Boathouse in position 43°38'47"N, 70°14'53"W.
Security Zone 2: a 1,000 yard radius around position 43°38'54"N, 70°13'40"W in Simonton Cove, South Portland, Maine.
Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the security zone shall telephone the COTP at 207-767-0303, or his designated representative via VHF channel 16 to obtain permission to do so. (First District LNM 13/2012)

New Bedford, MA, Hurricane Barrier Work:
Contractors for the Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting maintenance on the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier (41.623313°-70.906478°) through July 2012. The hours of operation will be approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (and occasional Saturdays). A barge and support equipment will be positioned north of the barrier, adjacent to but outside of the main channel. Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting in the vicinity of the hurricane barrier. Questions concerning this project may be addressed to Mr. Larry Ahearn of Reagan Construction, who can be reached at 401-640-5429. (First District LNM 11/2012)

USCG Planning Ahead for Opsail 2012 in CT:
The US Coast Guard proposes to establish temporary special local regulations on navigable waters of Niantic Bay, Long Island Sound (41.282135° -72.122086°), the Thames River, and New London Harbor for OPSAIL 2012 Connecticut activities. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by May 18. 77 Fed. Reg. 15981 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-19/pdf/2012-6493.pdf (March 19, 2012). (First District LNM 12/2012)

Soil Borings near LaGuardia:
The Tug LINDA G and a 40‟x80‟ work barge will be taking soil borings near LaGuardia Airport and Worlds Fair Marina (40.759385° -73.851038°) between Apr 2-6, 2012 from 0600-1900. (First District LNM 13/2012)

More Newtown Creek Water Sampling:
Anchor QEA and Millers Launch will be taking water samples in Newtown Creek (40.737278°-73.961156°) and tributaries from Apr 2-8, 2012. Work hours are Monday-Saturday, 0800-1700. Each sample will be taken from the DONNA M (25.5‟ x 8.6‟). Each sample is expected to take one hour to complete. The vessel can move within 15 minutes to not impede commercial navigation with notice via CH 13. The DONNA M will notify Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTSNY) on VHF CH 12 fifteen minutes prior to starting each sample and upon completion of each sample. No sampling will be authorized if visibility is less than one nautical mile. Anchor QEA's point of contact is Mr. Gabe Bolin at (603.809.6101) or the DONNA M on VHF CH 13. Vessels with concerns about the sample location within the channel should immediately notify VTSNY via CH 11, Phone: 718.354.4088, or D01-SMB-VTS-WatchOfficer@uscg.mil . (First District LNM 13/2012)

Brooklyn Bridge Repair:
Scaffolding repairs over the Brooklyn half of the channel will be conducted from Saturday, Mar 24 through Tuesday, Apr 10, 2012. Work hours are seven days per week, 0600-1500. Under 33 CFR 165 mariners are directed to transit on the Manhattan (west) side of the channel during these hours. The 6 foot vertical clearance reduction on the Brooklyn side of the bridge advertised in the Local Notice to Mariners http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmDistrict&region=1 remains in effect. Mariners are reminded that the vertical clearance under the Brooklyn Bridge (40.705120°-73.996272°) is 110 feet when the moving platforms (travelers) are in use. Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTSNY) will continually assess conditions and make further changes to navigation restrictions as necessary. Updates will be disseminated via safety broadcast, or online at http://homeport.uscg.mil/newyork > Waterways Management. (First District LNM 13/2012)

Coast Guard Tactical Demonstration in NY Harbor:
The Coast Guard will be conducting a tactical demonstration in (PA) 40-36.8N, 074-03.3W, in the southern portion of Anchorage Ground No. 24 (Stapleton) on Mar 30, 2012 from 1100-1400. The Coast Guard is requesting a 250 yard closest point of approach. Vessel Traffic Service New York will close Anchorage Ground No. 24 to anchored vessels from 0600-1400. (First District LNM 13/2012)

Submerged Pipeline in Jamaica Bay:
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company will have the Great Lakes 107 barge (60‟ x 30‟) anchored in (pa) 40-35-5.29"N, 073-51-09.94"W about 320 yards northeast of Beach Channel Buoy 2 (LLNR 34395). A 30 inch diameter submerged pipeline will be installed between the barge and Yellow Bar Hassock, Black Wall Marsh, and Rulers Bar. The Derrick Barge MOBRO 1221 (144' x 48'), Tug Bayou Dawn (70' x 23'), and a raft of 30" pipeline (800'x61') will be on scene and lit as required by 33 CFR 88.15. The submerged pipeline will cross Runway Channel between The Raunt Channel Buoy 5 (LLNR 34645) and The Raunt Channel Buoy 6 (LLNR 34650). The top of the 30 inch pipeline will be at approximately 10 feet MLLW. Work hours are 7 days per week during daylight hours. The barge will be manned 24 / 7 once pumping begins. (First District LNM 13/2012)

Updates on Biohabitats Research Projects, Jamaica Bay, NY:
On August 23, 2010, Biohabitats Inc. deployed 12 oyster reef balls in the vicinity of Gerritsen Beach in position 40-35-23N, 073-54-43W. The oyster reef balls are underwater on the ocean bed and outside of the navigable channel. The balls are made of concrete and are 1.5 feet x 1 foot. Biohabitats Inc. also deployed an oyster reef bed in the vicinity of Conchs Hole point in position 40-36-09N, 073-47-23W. The oyster reef bed will be out of the navigable channel and is 10 feet x 15 feet. The oyster reef bed will be visible above the water line by 2 feet. The reefs will not be marked with buoys. These reefs will be in place until April 2014.
In May 2011, Biohabitats Inc. installed 3 ribbed mussels attached to wire mesh and cargo nets in the vicinity of Fresh Creek in positions: 40-38-39.9N / 073-53-10.9W, 40-39-39.6N / 073-53-11.5W, 40-38-40.3N / 073-53-10.5W. These ribbed mussels are mounted to either side of the channel by posts which will be exposed above the surface at Mean High Water. There is a 55‟ clearing across in the center of the channel to allow for vessel traffic. These ribbed mussels will be in place until April 2014.
POC for these projects is Mr. Terry Doss at 973-748-9800. (First District LNM 13/2012)

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to this use.